Dark Victory, released in 1939, was a daring movie for its time. it de
picted
its heroine, Bette Davis, dying of a brain tumor. The film blended
romance and realism so successfully that it is still a model
for movies about death and dying today.

Bette Davis drew upon every mood she had
ever expressedinsouciance, impatience, anger, passion,
acquiescence. She worked hard at the role, reveling in a story
that, according to her account, she had actively campaigned for.
She also benefited greatly by the professional talents of director
Edmund Goulding and screenwriter Casey Robinson and a supporting
cast that included Humphrey Bogart.

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